Measure for measure, or, Beauty the best advocate as it is acted at the theatre in Lincolns-Inn-Fields : written originally by Mr. Shakespear, and now very much alter'd, with additions of several entertainments of musick.

SCENE II. A Garden.

Enter Mariana and a Maid.

Mar.

O! Mariana! Sleep has fled thy Eyes, And broken slumbers scarce refresh thy Spirits Since Angelo is false. I wonder what Affairs My holy Confessor can have with me Thus late at Night! yet I with ease may wait him. To amuse my Sorrows let me hear that Song.

The Maid Sings.

SONG.

Take Oh! take those Lips away, That so sweetly were forsworn; And those Eyes, the break of day, Lights that do mislead the Morn; But my kisses bring again, bring again, Seals of Love, but seal'd in vain.

Enter Duke and Fryer.

Mar.

Break off thy Song, and hast thee quick away; Here comes a Man of Comfort, whose Advice Has often still'd my brawling discontents. I cry you Mercy, and cou'd wish you had not Found me here so Musical, it sooth'd my Griefs, But bred no Mirth.

Duke.

Musick, my good Daughter, Has power to soften Woe, refresh the Mind, And make it fit for its more strenuous Duties. Has any yet since Night enquir'd for us?

Mar.

None, my holy Father.

Enter Isabella.

Duke.

Oh, here she comes! This Virtuous Maid fair Mariana brings, Such wholesom means to cure your wounded Mind That will secure your sickle Angelo.

Mar.

What happy Sounds are these?

[they Embrace.

Duke.

Inform her Isabella of the Matter.

They seem to Whisper.

O! Place and Greatness! Millions of false Eyes Are stuck upon thee; Volums of Report, Run with their false and most contrarious Censures Upon thy Actions; thousand games of Wit,

Make thee the Father of their idle Dreams, And rack thee in their Fancies.

Fryer.

True, my Lord, But seldom reach or ought affect this Greatness; Men bark at Grandeur, but 'tis at a distance, As Dogs do at the Moon—she hears it not; Goes on her Round and peaceful Race of Glory, Untouch'd by all their little Malice.

Duke.

Well! Mariana, how do you tast these means?

Mar.

With Joy if you advise it.

Duke.

'Tis not only My Counsel, but Intreaty; but kind Isabel, What have you here within this Cabinet?

Isa.

This Cabinet, with all it holds is yours.

[To Mariana.

For you are his, and tho'he gave it me With foul intent; yet, I as yours, receiv'd it. And as a proof most certain of his Guilt

Duke.

But as to time and place?

Isa.

Within this Hour, and in the Royal Grotto. This Key conducts you Madam, 'twill be dark, Let not your stay be long; but say your Maid Waits for you at the Gate, who does believe You come about your Brother; remember that.

Mar.

I shall—fear not your Brother.—

Duke.

And gentle Daughter, be not you affraid, He is your Husband, and it is no Sin To bring you thus together; the deceit In that is Justify'd, then quickly go And reap the Harvest that your Friends have sow'd.

[Exeunt Omnes.